Key Update

The Sabarimala Mandala–Makaravilakku season has begun, and the Food Safety Department has intensified inspections to ensure pilgrims receive safe and hygienic food. Within the first week, officials inspected 350 food outlets along the Sabarimala route and identified safety or hygiene lapses in 60 of them. They issued rectification notices to all 60 establishments.

Food Safety Squads Monitor Key Locations Round the Clock

The department deployed food safety squads at Sannidhanam, Pampa, Nilakkal and Erumeli. These teams operate around the clock, monitoring food handling practices and enforcing hygiene standards throughout the pilgrimage season. Officials set up temporary laboratories at Sannidhanam and Pampa to test the safety and quality of appam, aravana and the raw materials used to prepare these prasadam items. “Food Safety on Wheels” units at Nilakkal and Erumeli collect and analyse samples directly on-site. Additional samples go to the District Food Safety Lab in Pathanamthitta, while a lab in Thiruvananthapuram conducts detailed examinations.

Awareness Drives Strengthen Safe Food Practices

The department conducted eight awareness programmes and two licence registration camps for food business operators. It also distributed multilingual pamphlets on food safety and hygiene to pilgrims and vendors to promote safer practices. Health Minister Veena George urged pilgrims and food handlers to strictly follow the department’s guidelines to ensure a safe pilgrimage. Pilgrims can report food safety concerns through the toll-free helpline: 1800 425 1125.

Source: The Economic Times